The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for all lawyers will grow about as fast as the average for all careers through 2024, although competition for the best jobs will be intense. Biotechnology patent attorneys should have a good future based on several factors: the limited number of trained biotech patent lawyers, the increased need for new biotechnologies, and industry growth. Because the legislation allowing for the patenting of biological organisms has only been in existence since the early 1980s, the pool of trained biotech patent attorneys is still relatively small. Many of the practicing biotechnology patent attorneys came to the field as a second career once they had already obtained their scientific training. In addition, demand for sophisticated biotechnology tools has spurred growth in this industry. Protecting the rights of clients with new ideas and products and protecting the rights of clients who currently have patents should create many job opportunities for these specialty lawyers.

Are you a student? You may have FREE access.

Vault partners with thousands of colleges, universities and academic institutions to provide students with FREE access to our premium content. To determine if your school is a partner, please enter your school email address below.